Quality and Risk Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course explores how to manage risk and quality in project management. It considers what constitutes risk and the criteria that may be applied to identify and monitor quality alongside the techniques used to ensure the project meets quality standards. Risk analysis, an integral part of project management, is examined along with the ability to identify potential risks and develop plans to mitigate them or address them. The course also looks at the need for an iterative review by a project team and the communication of quality assurance and risk assessment to stakeholders. 

Course Aims

• Train learners to understand the importance of risk management.
• Train learners to understand the importance of quality control.
• Train learners to develop appropriate methodologies to quality and risk management.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• On-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summative assessment and is made available to the student either via email, the VLE or another appropriate method.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

Wilson, R. (2014). A Comprehensive Guide to Project Management Schedule and Cost Control: Methods and Models for Managing the Project Lifecycle. Pearson FT Press

Wells, K. and Kloppenborg, T.J. (2015). Project Management Essentials. New York, New Jersey : Business Expert Press

Wilson, R. (2015). Mastering Project Management Strategy and Processes: Proven Methods to Meet Organizational Goals. O’Reilly

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on quality and risk as directed by their course leader.

Electronics Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on quality and risk.

Indicative Topics

• Quality management
• Risk management
• Delivering quality